Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is an enabling course designed to provide a pathway for people to access university, prepare for study, and build confidence as a learner.
Register now for an upcoming STEPS Information Session.
Whether you’re returning to study, don’t yet meet entry requirements, or want to strengthen your academic skills, STEPS helps you get ready for university.
You’ll learn how to study effectively, develop confidence, and prepare for success in university study.
After successfully completing STEPS, you can apply for entry into eligible CQUniversity diploma or degree courses through the direct entry process.
You also have the flexibility to apply through QTAC or other state‑based tertiary admissions centres for courses at CQU or other institutions.
Discover more about your free and flexible enabling course that can provide a direct pathway into a CQU diploma or degree. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
Successfully completing STEPS opens the door to further study at CQUniversity.
This course helps you develop the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed and offers entry into eligible diploma and degree courses through the direct entry process. View the Requirements for Direct Entry.
You also have the flexibility to apply through QTAC or other state‑based tertiary admissions centres for courses at CQU or other institutions.
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Term 3 study is offered online only. You’ll be supported by an Access Coordinator from your nominated campus, and can choose to transition to on‑campus units in Term 1.
STEPS students are required to complete one core unit and several electives.
The electives you take will depend on your individual circumstances and the course you want to study once completing STEPS.
The course takes between one and six terms to complete, with two terms being the average.
You must complete at least three units (18 credits):
You will study the core unit listed below.
The electives you take will depend on your individual circumstances and the course you want to study after completing STEPS.
Your STEPS Access Coordinator will work with you to determine your study plan.
Most students complete between two and five electives.
STEPS is designed for students who do not already hold an undergraduate qualification. If you already hold an undergraduate qualification, please contact the STEPS admin team, who can advise you on possible study options.
To be eligible to apply for STEPS, you must meet the following requirements.
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or the USA, please note that STEPS does not meet the English Language Proficiency requirements for CQUniversity undergraduate courses.
You will be required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University prior to admission to an undergraduate course.
STEPS is free of tuition fees; however, there are minimal costs associated with textbooks, stationery, photocopying and printing.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
